Courses

A-Level

Art

AS Unit 1 40% – Personal Creative Enquiry; determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

A2 Unit 2 36% – Personal Investigation; determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

A2 Unit 3 24% – Externally Set Assignment; Preparatory study followed by a 15 hour examination period. Set by the exam board, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of coursework and externally set assignment is assessed internally and then assessed externally by Eduqas.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where a good grounding in Art and Design skills are required. With a qualification in Art and Design you could go on to further Education studying Fine Art, Three Dimensional Design, Graphic Communication, Photography and Fashion and Textiles.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have B grade in GCSE Art or a Merit Grade in BTEC First Certificate Art.

The A level is assessed via three written papers in June of Y13 that cover modules 1-6, i.e. content from Y12 and Year 13.

The Practical Endorsement is fundamental to the biology course, based on a portfolio of evidence of your practical scientific competence.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Biology you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Biology/Applied biology or other related subjects such as biochemistry, science journalism or biotechnology. It is essential for medicine and environmental science.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have grade 5 in GCSE Trilogy Science, or with grade 5 in the single science GCSEs under certain circumstances. A Grade 5 in Maths and English Language is also a requirement.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr M Kirkland / Mrs J Allen

BTEC Level 3 Food

A largely practical based course which combines 1 written examination with 3 coursework units.

Over view-1 written examination in year 12 on nutrition and then 3 coursework assignments. One controlled assignment in year 13 on food hygiene and safety – assignment task given and then 3 weeks to produce the assignment

Topics are – Understand the importance of food safety 14-22 marks, understand the properties of nutrients 14-22 marks, understand the relationship between nutrients and the human body 22-31 marks, be able to plan nutritional requirements 22-31 marks.

1 Coursework topic / set assignment – “A Chef from the local community provides learners with a selection of recipes and methods that are used in his establishment. Learners have to work in groups to produce orders of work for each recipe that an apprentice could follow, which pay absolute detail to critical control points and hazard prevention. Learners review the outputs and the menus and assess their nutritional value for different specific groups.”

“Learners could undertake a role play activity based on the outbreak of a food borne infection, which has been traced back to a particular restaurant. Different learners or groups of learners would undertake different roles, such as local environmental officers, staff at the restaurant, owners of the restaurant etc. Each group would need to assess how the outbreak could have been caused and develop an action plan to prevent any further outbreaks. Environmental Health Officers could provide learners with facts about the restaurant, such as the type of food that was being prepared, the storage conditions etc. and review their ideas.”

“Learners could work with a major catering organisation asked to tender for the catering of a major event, such as a gala dinner for the sponsors of the Grand Prix. The organiser wants all high quality home made products but the catering manager is concerned how to ensure high quality sauces are achieved. Learners will need to consider the variables involved in the production of sauces that may be served as accompaniments to dishes and carry out experiments to determine which options would be valid. They present their conclusions to a team preparing the tender.”

BTEC Level 3 Sport

Course summary

Pearson BTEC Level 3, National Extended Certificate in Sport, is a combination of vocational and academic study, taking two academic years to complete and is equivalent to 1 A level. The learning content of our BTECs is built around National Occupational Standards, which is why BTECs are recognised as valuable qualifications by the Standard Setting Body (SSB) and Sector Skills Council (SSC). This means that you can trust that studying a BTEC will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for further study, higher education, training and employment.

How will I be assessed?

The course involves 4 units:

What careers would this course be useful for?

BTEC level 3 are the equivalent of studying A-levels, and provides access to degree programmes at University, apprenticeships, further training and employment, not just within the Sports sector. Many of the skills and knowledge gained are transferable and well recognised within industry and education. This course is ideal for anyone considering a future career where a good grounding in physical education and Sports Science is important. It provides a route into potential employment, such as teaching, coaching, personal training, physiotherapy, recreation management, police, armed forces etc.

What are the entry requirements?

We prefer students to have a good understanding of Physical Education and have studied GCSE Physical Education or BTEC Level 2 Sport, ideally attaining at least a grade C in PE and English language.

Assessment of the OCR Chemistry A Level course is by three examinations in the May/June of Year 13 plus a non-examined practical assessment.

Please note that the A Level examinations will cover content from Yea 12 plus content delivered in Year 13.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Chemistry or one of the other sciences or related subjects such as chemical engineering, materials science or biotechnology. It is essential for the medicine, pharmacy and environmental science. Chemistry is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have grade 5 in GCSE Trilogy Science, or with grade 5 in the single science GCSEs under certain circumstances. A Grade 5 in Maths and English Language is also a requirement.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs S Fidler/ Mr Barnes

Computer Science

Course summary

AS Level : Two components studied. 1. Written exam, 50% of total, which tests the students’ knowledge and understanding of computing principles. 2. Written exam, 50% of total, which tests students’ problem solving skills needed to apply the principles from the first unit.

A Level : Three components, building upon knowledge from AS Level. 1. Written exam, 40% of total, which tests the students’ knowledge and understanding of computing principles. 2. Written exam, 40% of total, which tests students’ problem solving skills needed to apply the principles from the first unit. 3. Practical programming project, 20% of total. Non-exam assessment conducted in class drawing on the knowledge gained throughout the course.

How will I be assessed?

Written examination and internal project assessment. The exam units are in June.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is ideal for any student considering a future career where a grounding in Computer Science is required. Many of the leading IT businesses such as Google are demanding more and more staff to have programming skills due to the growth in this area of business. Computer Science will therefore be beneficial for many careers that require programming, including; Web Developer, Cyber Security Analyst, Systems Analyst, Games Developer, Computer Systems Engineer, IT Technician, Armed Forces and many more.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have grade C or equivalent in GCSE Computer Science or ICT or Mathematics.

Drama

Course summary

The GCE Drama and Theatre Studies specification is designed to provide a balance across a range of learning activities. Students will develop and apply an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre. Throughout the two years, students will explore texts, participate as a theatre maker and understand and experience the collaborative relationship between various roles within theatre. AS Level and A Level Drama and Theatre studies are two separate qualifications, so students will come out with an AS Level Qualification and A Level Qualification.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1

Exploration and Performance

AS

Students will perform one key extract from a performance text and will use the methodology of one influential practitioner. To accompany the group performance the students must complete a 2500 word portfolio that documents the process leading up to the performance.

Students will also perform a monologue/or duologue from another performance text.

60 % of AS Qualification

Internally assessed by Teacher and externally moderated.

Component 2

AS

Written Exam - Students will practically explore and study a complete performance text. Students will also evaluate a liver performance that they have seen and answer an extended response question.

40% of the AS Qualification

Externally Assessed.

Component 1

A

Students will devises an original performance.

Using an extract from a performance text and a specific theratre practitioner to aid the devising process. To accompany the performance the students must complete a 3000 word portfolio that documents the process leading up to the performance.

40% of the A Level Qualification

Internally assessed by Teacher and externally moderated.

Component 2

Text in Performance

A

Students will perform a key extract of a performance text. Students will also perform a monologue from a different performance text.

20% of the A Level qualification

Externally assessed by visiting examiner.

Component 3

Theatre Makers in Practice

A

Written Exam- Students will practically explore and study a performance text focusing on how it can be realised for performance.

They will also practically explore another performance text in light of a chosen theatre practitioner focusing on how this text can be reimagined for a contemporary audience.

Students will also evaluate a live theatre performance that they have seen.

40% of the A Level qualification

Externally assessed.

What careers would this course be useful for?

Students completing the course successfully could help lead onto Further Education. Careers in Drama Teaching, Lecturer, Drama Therapist, Actor/Actress, Stage/Set designer and many more.

What are the entry requirements?

An interest in drama and theatre and a good level of skill in English are important.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs L Forster & Ms R Lewis.

English Literature

Course summary

AS Level: The AS qualification is a yearlong course and will require students to study a range of texts. Assessment is by examination at the end of the year.

Paper 1: Love through the Ages: Shakespeare and Poetry

Paper 2: Love through the Ages: Prose

A Level: The full A Level will require students to study the content above, alongside more texts. It is assessed at the end of the two years by two examination papers and a piece of coursework.

Paper 1: Love through the Ages

Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts

Non-exam assessment: Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the AQA AS English Literature is by written examinations. The assessment for the A Level English Literature course is by written examination and coursework. All students who wish to study this subject will sit the AS qualification. If they wish to carry on to complete the full A Level they will be assessed at the end of Year 13 on the full two years of study. At the end of the two years they will sit two examinations and will also complete one piece of coursework. The AS qualification will not contribute to the A Level qualification, but rather is a separate award.

What careers would this course be useful for?

English Literature would be useful for a career in law or journalism which require thoughtful, reflective thinkers who can skillfully communicate ideas. English Literature would be useful, given the many parallels, for a career in teaching, drama, psychology, social work, history or any career that requires you to communicate and think analytically. English Literature is a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions. It is a highly regarded academic qualification that universities respect.

What are the entry requirements?

Students need a grade 6 in GCSE English and GCSE Literature. Students will be accepted with a 5 in English Literature and a 5 in English language based on work ethic and attitude to study.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs A Turner or Mr W Robinson

Foundation Diploma in Forensic Investigation

Course summary

Level 3 National Foundation Diploma. Six units are studied during the two year course:

1)Principles and Application of Science 1

2)Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3)Science Investigation Skills

4)Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice

8)Physiology of Human Body Systems

13)Forensic Genetics

How will I be assessed?

During the two year course, units 1 and 3 (41%)are externally assessed with Unit 1 being assessed in June of Year 12 and Unit 3 assessed in January of Year 13. All other units are assessed internally through the completion of assignments can be graded at a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where a good grounding in scientific principles and practice is useful. It provides a route into employment that uses science e.g. technician in laboratory, hospital, research, testing, forensic science service, chemical or engineering industries, police, armed forces etc. It can also be used as a route into higher education.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have grade 4 in GCSE Trilogy Science, or with grade 5 in the single science GCSEs under certain circumstances. A Grade 4 in Maths and English Language is also a requirement.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs S Fidler/ Mrs P Sampson

French

First and foremost French opens doors to whole worlds that you cannot access without using the French as the key.

Work and Study – a language is favoured by higher education institutions for the communication and study skills that it helps students develop. Going to university or working abroad is a phenomenal life-enhancing experience; employers prefer candidates who already have the language qualifications and skills as they can access opportunities otherwise unavailable to their companies. The fact you have studied a language gives you a proven track record in academic ability and social understanding.

Travel – If you can communicate in the local language you discover local knowledge from the locals that allows you to see things that other tourists miss. There are secrets waiting to be found and a huge amount of cultural experiences waiting for you with a foreign language!

It opens your mind – literally! Studying a language is good for your brain’s health! Research shows that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Other evidence suggests that studying language can improve memory and slow age-related decline in mental agility and actually stimulates the creative parts of your mind.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have a minimum of a B grade in French GCSE

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs H Stanford: hstanford@ripleyacademy.org or

Mr R Pardo Roques: rpardoroques@ripleyacademy.org

Geography

Course summary

The AS course includes; exploring landscape systems which will look at Coasts, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban areas. There will be a residential fieldtrip. The A Level course will look at; Water and Carbon Cycles, Hazards Global Systems and Governance, Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field

How will I be assessed?

AS

Component 1: Physical Geography and People and the Environment

1 hour 30mins

50% of total AS level

Component 2: Human Geography and Geography Fieldwork Investigation

1 hour 30mins

50% of total AS level

A Level

Component 1: Physical Geography

2 hour 30mins

40% of total A level

Component 2: Human Geography

2 hour 30mins

40% of total A level

Component 3: Geographical Investigation

3 000 – 4 000 words

20% of total A level

What careers would this course be useful for?

A Level Geography is related to a vast number of careers for a number of reasons. Geography as a subject develops a huge range of transferable skills which employers value highly, for example problem solving and analysis. Some of the main vocational areas which employ geographers include: environmental management; leisure, travel and tourism, business and finance, planners, education, surveyors, spatial analyst, meteorologist, social services, policy makers, journalism etc. It is also looked favourably upon by universities and can be studied as a Batchelor of science or arts.

What are the entry requirements?

Students do not need a GCSE qualification in Geography, but should have an interest in and be curious about the world around them.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs. J Millington and Mrs. J Richmond

Health And Social Care Level 3 Diploma (Double Award)

Course summary

This course is broadly equivalent to two A Levels. During the course there are various units covering topics such as: human lifespan development, working in health and social care, principle of safe practice, psychological and sociological perspectives.

How will I be assessed?

This two year course is assessed by coursework (internal assessment) and exam (external assessment). The split is 50% exam and 50% coursework across the two years.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is ideal for any students considering a future career in areas such as social worker, nursery nurse, residential carer, physiotherapist, nursing or probation officer

What are the entry requirements?

It helps if students have achieved a pass in Level 2 Health and Social Care, although this is not essential.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr M Lipton

History

Course summary

AS – Paper 1: In Search of the American Dream: The USA 1917-96; Paper 2: India c.1914-47: The Road to Independence.

A Level – All the AS modules listed above plus; Paper 3: The British Experience of Warfare c.1790-1918; Paper 4: Hitler’s role in the Third Reich 1933-45 (Coursework).

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the Edexcel History course is by 2 written examinations at AS Level. The examinations are in May/June. At A Level assessment is by 3 written examinations and coursework submitted in May/June of Year 13. Please note that the A level exams will cover content from AS plus content delivered in Year 13.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in History you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying History, Archaeology or Politics. History teaches you how to read evidence for fact and opinion and therefore essential for lawyers, the police and politicians. History teaches you effective written communication skills, leading to careers in the Civil Service, law and journalism. History teaches skills of analysis and strategy, vital for jobs in the Army, teaching, advertising, medicine, banking and accountancy. Therefore History is a well-respected qualification in its own right and the skills gained from studying it transfer to a wide range of careers.

What are the entry requirements?

Students DO NOT need a GCSE qualification in History but a good level of skill in written English is important.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs C Kenway

Level 3 Applied General In Business

Course summary:

Year 1: Three units studied, consisting of one piece of coursework, one controlled assignment and a third examination module.

Year 2: Year 1 content plus three further units consisting of two pieces of coursework and a third examination module.

There are six modules in total for the award at the end of Year 2.

How will I be assessed?

The overall 2 year course contains 50% coursework (assessed internally and moderated externally), with the externally assessed controlled assignment and the external examinations taking place in January/June.

What careers would this course be useful for?

Business is a universal qualification and as such is ideal for students considering careers in almost any area. This qualification provides a broad understanding of business but also entrepreneurship, as well as developing increasingly valuable skills to support students’ progress to either higher education or a future career.

As part of the course, students investigate the ‘real life’ activities of many successful businesses including Apple, Merlin Entertainment (including Alton Towers) & Mac cosmetics to name a few.

Potential careers which benefit from a Business qualification are varied and can include amongst others Retail Management, Teaching, Accountancy, Sales, Marketing as well as those wanting to set up their own Business.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements to study Business, although students who have studied either GCSE Business or Economics will have an advantage.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs. Taylor (etaylor@ripleyacademy.org)

Mathematics

Course summary

AS and A Level content – For both courses you will study Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.

How will I be assessed?

The AS and A level are both assessed by written examination. All assessments are taken at the end of the course.

AS Level Examinations

A Level Examinations

Pure Mathematics and Mechanics 1hr 30mins

Pure Mathematics 2hrs

Pure Mathematics and Statistics 1hr 30mins

Mechanics 2hrs

Media Studies

Course summary

Investigating media. A range of Media products are assessed using the key concepts: language, representation, industries and audience. Case studies into broadcast, print and e-media are also undertaken. Exam, 35%

Creating media. Students plan and produce their own linked media products, for example, a music video with a linked website. Coursework 15%

Critical Perspectives. Representations are explored across a range of media platforms; theories, issues and debates are addressed. Exam 35%

Research and Production. Students complete a written investigation and a linked practical production. Coursework 15%

How will I be assessed?

The qualification is assessed by written exam and by coursework. The assessment weighting is 70% exam and 30% practical coursework

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is suitable for any students considering a future career in the media and communications industries: Journalism, PR, Marketing, Graphic Design etc. It can also be used as a route into higher education.

What are the entry requirements?

Five GCSEs at grade C or equivalent (Including English)

Who can I contact for more information?

Mrs A Turner (interim)

Music

Course summary:

Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. This course offers students the chance to study a wide range of musical genres. The A-level brings listening, performance and composition to life in new and engaging ways, and links to the world around us.

Every student has different learning styles and musical tastes, which is why this A-level course values all music styles, skills and instruments. It will provide candidates with the knowledge and experience required for all forms of further and higher education. It will give them understanding, and encourage appreciation, of all music genres in all contexts.

How will I be assessed?

AS Level

Component 1 – Appraising Music

Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music.

40% of AS marks

Component 2 – Music Performance

A minimum of ten minutes of performance in total is required.

30% of AS marks

Component 3 – Composition

Composition 1: Composition to a brief

Composition 2: Free composition

30% of AS marks

A-Level

Component 1 – Appraising Music

Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music.

40% of A-level marks

Component 2 – Music Performance

A minimum of ten minutes of performance in total is required.

35% of A-level marks

Component 3 – Composition

Composition 1: Composition to a brief

Composition 2: Free composition

25% of A-level marks

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Music you could go on to Higher Education, studying Music or one of the Performing Arts or related subjects such as Music therapy, Arts Management or Teaching. Music is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions due to the wide range of skills learnt during the course.

What are the entry requirements?

Students must have strong performance skills at or above Grade 5; ABRSM, Trinity and Rockschool are all accepted. In addition, students should ideally be at grade 5 standard in Music Theory.

Photography

AS Unit 1 40% – Personal Creative Enquiry; determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

A2 Unit 2 36% – Personal Investigation; determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

A2 Unit 3 24% – Externally Set Assignment; Preparatory study followed by a 15 hour examination period. Set by the exam board, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of coursework and externally set assignment is assessed internally and then assessed externally by Eduqas.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where a good grounding in Photography is required. With a qualification in Photography you could go on to further Education studying Photography, Fine Art, Film and Media, Graphic Communication, Fashion and Textiles.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have B grade in GCSE Art or a Merit Grade in BTEC First Certificate Art.

Assessment of A Level Physics takes place at the end of the final year, with 2 x two and a quarter hour exams and a 1 x one and a half exam. The A level also includes a practical endorsement.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Physics you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Physics or a range of related subjects such as engineering, medicine and maths, being essential for engineering. Physics is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions, including law and technological subjects.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have grade 5 in GCSE Trilogy Science, or with grade 5 in the single science GCSEs under certain circumstances. A Grade 5 in Maths and English Language is also a requirement.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr M Kirkland/ Mrs S Fidler

Product Design

Course summary

AS Exam Paper 1 – What’s assessed: Technical principles, designing and making principles. How it’s assessed: This is a written exam, 1hr 30 minutes, 80 marks and is 50% of the AS overall grade.

AS Non-exam assessment (NEA) – What’s assessed: Practical application of technical principles and designing and making principles. How it’s assessed:Single design and make project (Brief set by exam board), 80 marks and is 50% of the AS overall grade.

A-Level Exam Paper 1 – What’s assessed: Technical principles. How it’s assessed: This is a written exam, 2hr 30 minutes, 120 marks and is 30% of the A-Level overall grade.

A-Level Exam Paper 2 – What’s assessed: Designing and making principles. How it’s assessed: This is a written exam, 1hr 30 minutes, 80 marks and is 20% of the AS overall grade.

A-Level Non-exam assessment (NEA) – What’s assessed: Practical application of technical principles and designing and making principles. How it’s assessed:Substantial design and make project, 100 marks and is 50% of the AS overall grade.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the AS and A Level Product Design is by coursework and written and design examinations. The examinations are in June of each year. Preparations for the exams are carried out in lessons throughout the course.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course will provide a suitable foundation for the study of a wide range of design related courses at University or direct entry into employment. Career opportunities would include, Product Designer, Architect, Interior Designer, Furniture Designer and Engineer.

What are the entry requirements?

It would be beneficial for students to have a GCSE qualification in Design & Technology or Art & Design, although this is not essential.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr Goddard

Psychology

Course summary

AS content

Topics include – Social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology and research methods.

Full A level content

AS content plus the following topics – Biopsychology, issues and debates in psychology, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the AQA Psychology course is by written examination. The examinations are in June. Preparations for the exams are carried out in lessons throughout the course, including full mock exam papers.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Psychology you could go on to Further or Higher Education. Additionally to this, if you do not use it for your main subject area it is a multi-disciplinary subject and will offer you a more effective way of thinking. Employers favour the subject as it requires the ability to be a flexible and forward thinking individual. For those interested in careers in psychology, visiting the British Psychological Society website will provide further information.

What are the entry requirements?

The course requires students to be skilled in Mathematics, Science and English as these are all assessed as part of the qualification. Students are required to have a minimum of grade C GCSE or equivalent in English, Mathematics and Science.

Who can I contact for more information?

Miss N. Preston

Religious Studies

Course summary

Philosophy of Religion

This includes work on the problem of evil, the nature of religious experience and various traditions regarding soul, mind and body

Religion and Ethics

This includes issues relating to euthanasia, business ethics, natural law and utilitarianism

Developments in Christian Thought

This includes work on the person of Jesus Christ, moral actions and principles, the existence of God and the afterlife

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the OCR AS and full A Level Religious Studies course is by written examination. The examinations are in June of each year. Preparations for the exams are carried out in lessons throughout the course.

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Religious Studies you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Philosophy, Religious Studies or Theology. It is extremely desirable for future careers that deal with people e.g. teaching, the legal profession or any of the public services. Areas of work such as journalism that require thoughtful, reflective thinkers who can skillfully communicate ideas would also benefit. In addition to this, Religious Studies is a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions.

What are the entry requirements?

Students DO NOT need a GCSE qualification in Religious Studies but a good level of skill in written English is important.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr. S J Richardson

Sociology

Course summary

AS content

Topics include – Education, with specific reference to UK policy and globalization, families and households, with an emphasis on changing characteristics over time. Students will also study research methods.

Full A level content

AS content plus the following topics – Crime and deviance and beliefs in society. In addition to research methods at AS level students will also study sociological theory, this will be applied to the crime and deviance topic.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the AQA Sociology course is by written examination. The examinations are in June. The AS course features two 90 minute examinations. The full A-level course features three 120 minute exams. All exams are at the end of the year (summative assessment).

What careers would this course be useful for?

With a qualification in Sociology you could go on to Further or Higher Education. Sociology is positively regarded by university admissions tutors so makes an exceptional additional subject within an academic A-level programme. A-level Sociology also requires the development of critical thinking skills. This is seen as a huge positive in the employment market.

What are the entry requirements?

The course requires students to be skilled in Mathematics, Science and English as these are all assessed as part of the qualification. Students are required to have a grade C or equivalent in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science.

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr. M Lipton

Spanish

First and foremost Spanish opens doors to whole worlds that you cannot access without using the Spanish as the key.

Work and Study – a language is favoured by higher education institutions for the communication and study skills that it helps students develop. Going to university or working abroad is a phenomenal life-enhancing experience; employers prefer candidates who already have the language qualifications and skills as they can access opportunities otherwise unavailable to their companies. The fact you have studied a language gives you a proven track record in academic ability and social understanding.

Travel – If you can communicate in the local language you discover local knowledge from the locals that allows you to see things that other tourists miss. There are secrets waiting to be found and a huge amount of cultural experiences waiting for you with a foreign language!

It opens your mind – literally! Studying a language is good for your brain’s health! Research shows that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Other evidence suggests that studying language can improve memory and slow age-related decline in mental agility and actually stimulates the creative parts of your mind.

What are the entry requirements?

Students are required to have a minimum of a B grade in Spanish GCSE

Who can I contact for more information?

Mr R Pardo Roques: rpardoroques@ripleyacademy.org

Textiles

Course summary

Unit 1: In this unit, students will have the opportunities to generate practical work, ideas and research from primary and contextual sources. You will experiment with a textiles technique and develop and refine ideas presenting a final piece of work.

Unit 2: This unit consist of an independent supported study within a chosen theme set by the examination board. A final piece is created within a timed examination.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of the AS Textiles course is by the completion of 2 units of work per year which are weight equally.

What careers would this course be useful for?

This course will provide a suitable foundation for the study of a wide range of design related courses at University or direct entry into employment. Career opportunities would include; Fashion Design, Interior Design, Theatre Studies, Textiles design and Fashion Buyer.

What are the entry requirements?

It would be beneficial for students to have a GCSE qualification in Art or Textiles Technology although not essential.